Filming has now concluded on "Real Steel" — Hugh
Jackman's new Sci-Fi movie. The plot involves a former boxer
(Jackman) who has to reinvent himself when 2,000 lb, eight ft
tall robots take over the sport. He teams with his estranged
son to build and train their own oversized Rock 'Em Sock
'Em Robot.

The premise of the movie is actually based on a short
story by Richard Matheson that was adapted into an original
'Twilight Zone' episode that starred Lee Marvin. Here's a
picture of the original robot.

Oh, and be
sure to look for
SERVO Magazine
in the background
of some of the
scenes.

EXO MINI-ME

Check out this mini-exoskeleton from Sakakibara
Kikai. At a height of 5. 25 ft and a weight of 400 lb, it will
strike fear in mere mortal toddlers and more likely, their
parents. The $21,000 price tag of the walker doesn't
seem to include an adequate seatbelt, however.

ALL WASHED UP

Researchers at the Pohang Institute of Intelligent Robotics (PIRO,
South Korea) have unveiled a window cleaning robot called Windoro that
will be commercialized next year. The robot — which had a budget of
approximately 300M KRW ($260,000 USD) — consists of two modules
that hug together on opposite sides of a window using neodymium
magnets. The magnetic system is said to be safer and more reliable than
other approaches such as vacuum power. The robot uses distance sensors,
attitude adjustment, and obstacle detection while doing its window waltz,
employing detergent and a series of spinning pads to wash up as it goes.